BY TANDZILE DLAMINI
MBABANE– The City of Mbabane today hosted the second edition of the Smart City Living Masterclass, held under the theme “Transforming Mbabane into a Responsive Smart City to Drive Economic Growth.”
The event, which took place on 28 October 2025, brought together city leaders, innovators, and development partners to explore how technology, innovation, and sustainable governance can position Mbabane as a dynamic, inclusive, and future-ready capital.
Speaking at the masterclass, Mbabane City Council Chief Executive Officer Gciniwe Fakudze emphasised that building a smart city requires fresh thinking and greater integration of digital tools to improve service delivery and citizen engagement.
“Transformation demands innovation and smarter use of technology. Digital tools can help us deliver services faster and more efficiently,” Fakudze said.
She added that the city’s strategy focuses on infrastructure development, economic diversification, renewable energy, and public–private partnerships as key drivers of sustainable growth.
The Mbabane City Council is currently reviewing three key documents to guide the capital’s transformation — the Integrated Development Plan (2024–2029), the Town Planning Scheme, and the Local Economic Development Strategy. Together, these frameworks aim to expand residential and commercial areas, support youth-led enterprises, and create new opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses.
Mthunzi Dlamini, Manager of Business Development at the Industry Development Company of Eswatini (IDCE), highlighted the importance of smart financing in achieving urban development goals. He explained how financial institutions can partner with the city and service providers to support projects in digital infrastructure, renewable energy, and data-driven service delivery.
“Investing in technology and data systems enhances efficiency and drives inclusive economic growth,” Dlamini noted.
The masterclass encouraged participants to embrace digital innovation, artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and smart governance as tools for better decision-making and service delivery. Officials stressed that even small, practical digital solutions — such as online platforms for service requests — can significantly improve efficiency and transparency.
Mbabane’s leadership called on residents, entrepreneurs, and investors to actively engage with the city’s ongoing transformation efforts, noting that the journey towards a connected, efficient, and resilient capital depends on collaboration across all sectors.
